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E-7-4 · Skilled Worker · Points-Based

E-7-4 Skilled Worker (Points-Based) Visa
Guide to Conversion & Requirements

1. Overview

The E-7-4 Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based immigration pathway that allows foreign workers currently on E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) or H-2 (Working Visit) status to convert to a professional-level work visa. This visa was introduced by the Ministry of Justice to reward long-term skilled workers who have contributed to Korean industry and demonstrate language ability, education, and sufficient earnings.

Unlike the standard E-7 visa — which requires a sponsoring employer in one of 85+ designated occupations — the E-7-4 uses a points scoring system to evaluate the overall profile of the applicant. Points are awarded for factors including age, education level, Korean language proficiency, annual salary, and duration of work experience in Korea. Applicants who reach the minimum threshold may convert their visa status.

2. Points Scoring Criteria

The Ministry of Justice sets the passing score annually. The typical minimum is 200 points. Maximum points per category are as follows:

CategoryCriteriaMax Points
AgeAges 18–34 score highest; decreases after 3520 pts
EducationHigh school / Bachelor's / Master's / Doctorate35 pts
Korean Language (TOPIK)TOPIK Level 1–6; higher level = more points30 pts
Annual SalaryBased on ratio to GNI per capita50 pts
Work Experience in KoreaNumber of years in E-9 / H-2 status in Korea60 pts
Bonus PointsSkilled worker certification, Korean cultural contribution, etc.varies

Note: Exact point values for each sub-criterion are updated annually by the Ministry of Justice. Contact VISASKOREA for a current eligibility check.

3. Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Currently holds E-9 (Non-Professional Employment) or H-2 (Working Visit) visa status
  • Minimum 5 years of work experience in Korea (domestic stay period under E-9 or H-2)
  • Points score meets or exceeds the Ministry of Justice minimum threshold for the application year
  • No immigration law violations (unauthorized stay, unauthorized employment, or criminal conviction that caused deportation)
  • Current employer is willing to provide a confirmation letter (some immigration offices require this)
  • Annual salary meets the Ministry of Justice GNI per capita benchmark

4. Required Documents

DocumentNotes
Application formAvailable at immigration office or HiKorea
Original passport + ARC (Alien Registration Card)Current valid passport
Points evaluation tableSelf-completed with supporting evidence
TOPIK certificateMust be valid; original or certified copy
Highest diploma or degree certificateApostille + Korean translation if issued abroad
Employment certificate from current employerMust state position, salary, and employment start date
Employer's business registration certificateKorean company registration
Income confirmation (source income certificate / withholding receipt)To verify annual salary for points
National Health Insurance confirmationVerifies employment history in Korea

5. Conversion Process

  1. Free consultation — confirm eligibility, calculate current points, identify gaps
  2. Gather all required documents (diploma, TOPIK certificate, employment certificate, income proof)
  3. Complete the self-evaluation points table with supporting documents for each claimed score
  4. Submit the change-of-status application at the relevant Immigration Office (immigration office with jurisdiction over applicant's workplace or residence)
  5. Respond to any supplementary document requests within the designated period
  6. Receive change-of-status approval; collect updated ARC with E-7-4 status
  7. Notify current employer of updated visa status

6. FAQ

Q. Who can apply for the E-7-4 visa?
A. The E-7-4 is primarily for E-9 or H-2 visa holders who have accumulated at least 5 years of work experience in Korea and meet the annual points threshold set by the Ministry of Justice.
Q. What is the minimum points score?
A. The Ministry of Justice sets the minimum passing score, which has typically ranged from 200 to 220 points depending on the year. Points are awarded for age, education, Korean language ability (TOPIK), salary, and domestic work experience.
Q. Does E-7-4 count toward permanent residency?
A. Yes. E-7-4 holders accrue residency time toward the F-5 permanent residency requirement. They may also apply for F-2-7 long-term residency through the points system, which eventually leads to F-5.
Q. Can E-7-4 holders bring family members?
A. Yes. A spouse and minor children may reside together under F-3 (dependent) status once E-7-4 is granted.
Q. Can I change employers after getting E-7-4?
A. Changing employers is allowed but requires reporting the change to the immigration office within 15 days. The new employer must also be in a category consistent with the E-7 designated activities framework.

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